Weekend Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patch

Local families, school holiday visitors, photographers, and people wanting pumpkins for cooking or decorating.

Price per pumpkin or per kilo, with small extras such as honesty-box produce, a few other vegetables or a photo spot. Income is concentrated in a short season.

• Basic growing or willingness to learn
• Organising a season around the weather
• Friendly customer service
• Simple social media promotion

• Public liability insurance, since visitors will be walking on uneven farm ground
• Council planning or permit requirements for opening to the public, check with your local council
• Crop risk from weather, pests and disease; a poor season can wipe out most of your income
• Safe parking, clear paths, toilets and handwashing, particularly with young children
• If you add food or drinks, check food business registration with your council

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the land you use, how much you plant, insurance and the set-up of your gate or stall. Get your own quotes before you commit.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your crop, the weather and visitor numbers. Income is seasonal, and a poor season from weather, pests or disease could wipe out most of it.

Check public liability insurance, since visitors will walk on uneven ground, and any council planning or permit requirements. Also check parking, paths, toilets and handwashing. If you add food or drinks, check food business registration with your council.